state fair americana-roots music · pdf fileoct 2017 3 minnesotabluegrass.org inside: from the...

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MBOTMA Hot Line(to subscribe and for other information)612-285-9133 or 800-635-3037 [email protected]. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416www.minnesotabluegrass.org Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass

MBOTMA Board of DirectorsPresident: Laura Cooper - [email protected] President: Nic HentgesTreasurer: Robbi PodrugSecretary: Shane ZackBoard Members: Term expires 2017: Alan Jesperson Bill Lindroos - [email protected] Rudy Marti - [email protected]

Gary Germond - [email protected] expires 2018: Dale Gruber - [email protected] Brett Day, Philip Nusbaum Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman - [email protected] meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: www.minnesotabluegrass.org/board-minutes

MBOTMA StaffEvent Coordinator: Matt Johnson [email protected] Office Administrator: Darcy Schatz [email protected]

Minnesota Bluegrass MagazineEditor: Doug Lohman, [email protected]: Bob Douglas, Wayne Erbsen, Nic Hentges, Ann Iijima, Philip Nusbaum, George Rothenberger, Wayne Russ, Kelly SmithComing Up: Loretta Simonet, John BrandbergY’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn ConlinPhotography: Doug Lohman, George Rothenberger Cover image: Doug Lohman Back: Doug LohmanDeadline for submissions: The 1st of the month preceding publicationSubmit content or request advertising guidelines at: [email protected]. Minnesota Bluegrass is published monthly by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without writ-ten permission from the publisher. The publisher is not respon-sible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manuscripts. ©2017 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537.

Thank you, MBOTMA members

Sustaining:Vicki Andersen Rod & Barb AndersonDaryll & Mary ArntsonVaughn AsselstineMariltn Bergum & Melvin RupprechtKenneth BlochSusan Christensen-WichmannJane CongerKatryn ConlinBrian CornellBob & Vicki DalagerHal DavisDoug DuncanMary DuShaneMatt Edwards Craig EvansLeon EvansNathan FjeldJim Franczyk Warren GumesonTimothy & Ginger HaalandDavid HolmDick & Sue HopperstadDavid & Laurette Hougen-EitzmanMark Johnson

Patrons: Peter & Bridgit AlbrechtTony & Ann AnthonisenLenny & Colleen BaltusGary & Karen BartigRon & Kathy BladeBarry & Annie BrooksDoug ChasarGary & Janet CobusLaura CooperBob & Marilyn DoddWilliam FancherJennifer FaulknerMark & Kathleen FisherDarrell & Marilyn FuhrTom & Jill FurrerJon & Sharon GaronArt GeffenGary & Jae GermondDavid GlattDale & Diane E GruberTom & Marlys GustafsonMichael & Paula HildebrandtMabel HouleAnn Iijima & Myles BakkeJim JohnsonDavid Johnson

October 2017Vol. 43

No. 9Newsstand: $3

Subscription: $35

John JohnsonHowie & Maggie JorgensonChris Juettner David Lang Bill Lindroos & Rebecca ReiflerRolf & Lisa LundMac McKay Mary McSorleySusan & Joe MeyerCorey MohanJames Natwick Jerry NelsonDennis & Jan O’BrienLinda & Tony Omann Dominic OrricoBob OstlundGary PetersonMarty & Carol Schirber Wendy SchoenHowell SmithRory & Marian ThompsonLynn & Carolyn Thorson Ross & Elizabeth Vaughan Rebecca Wagner & Dan ForsytheTin WankelDavid & Bonnie Warner Carole Wilson

Janine KemmerJim LallyRussel LaneLoren LaugtugJames LeeRichard LuckerothBob LundeenRudy & Jeanne MartiRodger McBrideKarla MenzelBill MerrillDouglas & Georgene NesheimMilaca RecFestDavid & Betty PfeifferBrian RonningTom & Cathy SchaeferThomas & Barbara SchommerThomas & Maragaret SchuveillerPenelope SciallaDenise & Tony StachnikDavid Tousley & Margaret BrandesDonna VelascoJane & Dobson WestJim WhitneyJohn Wilcox

Membership as of October 1, 2017: 964

3October 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Inside:From the President 3 | Grass Clippings 5 | All’s Fair in Love & Bluegrass 7 | MSCS Guitar Building Program 9 | Laughing Waters Festival Review 10 | Cover Story: MN Americana-Roots Music Contests 12 | Becky Buller 15 | Wayne Erbsen: Fox on the Run 17 | Masters

Weekend-Lutzen 18 | Raffle Winners 19 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 23 | MBOTMA Calendar of Events 25 | Coming Up 26 | Tab 35

From the PresidentI just got home from the September board meeting. We

had an ambitious agenda. Bea and Jed are now officially retired. Yikes! A big thank you to both of them for their dedication and years of service. As previously noted, Matt Johnson is officially our Event Coordinator. I’m also pleased to announce that Darcy Schatz is our new Office Administrator. Darcy has a wealth of relevant experience that bodes well for MBOTMA. I don’t doubt that this transition will be challenging, but I believe Matt and Darcy are highly capable and will help move MBOTMA in a positive and sustainable direction.

The August Festival did better than expected budget-wise and the duet and band contests at the Minnesota State Fair were reportedly well-attended. The Fair staff was pleased with the entertainment value of our event.

Since my tenure began last January, we have now held all of our events except the Harvest Jam and we have Matt and Darcy on board. I’m actually feeling like I can breathe a sigh of relief and not worry about having to “pack up our tent.” I’m anxious for the board to get out of survival mode and begin to be future oriented.

Speaking of the Harvest Jam, 2017 may be the last one. The board previously voted to cancel the event in 2018. Whether or not the Harvest Jam will be resurrected in the future is not decided. So get out to the Marriott and enjoy yourselves. The GMUG (Great MN Uke Gathering) has been a great addition to the Harvest Jam. We will continue to include programming for the ukulele players. Martha Galep and the Harvest Jam committee have worked hard for many years putting on this great event. Kudos and thanks!

We will also be holding MBOTMA’s general membership meeting at the Harvest Jam, on Saturday, November 18, at 6:45pm. The membership meeting is an opportunity for you to meet the board, ask questions and offer ideas.

As with all MBOTMA events, the Harvest Jam depends on volunteers. Help out if you can. Meet new friends and feel good about contributing your time and expertise to our wonderful organization. I know I’m a broken record--please tell your family and friends about the Harvest Jam and also spread the word via social media.

Individual $35

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events discounts for one person, and a free classi-fied ad.

Family $50

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, up to four discounted tickets per event, and a free classified ad.

Band $75

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, advance booking information for MBOTMA events, a free classified ad, and listings in the MBOTMA member band directory in print and on our website.

Sustaining Level $100

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events discounts, two free con-cert tickets, and a free classified ad.

Patron Level $150

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events discounts, four free con-cert tickets, and a free classified ad.

Become a MemberThe Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

is open to everyone. Our members include people who love to listen to music and people who love to make music. As a member, you’ll be invited to participate in bluegrass and old-time music events and celebrations. You’ll receive discounted prices on admission to events and merchandise, and you’ll receive a subscription to Minnesota Bluegrass magazine.

Becoming a member of MBOTMA is easy and affordable. Your membership will not only nurture your own interests, but help to ensure that the bluegrass and old-time music tradition is sustained and grows in Minnesota.

Funding for MBOTMA provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors

Add $18 for First Class or foreign postage to individual, family or band membership.Go to minnesotabluegrass.org and select the Membership tab to join online and pay with PayPal. Or mail in your personal information and payment to:MBOTMA, P.O. Box 16408, Minneapolis, MN 55416Call 800-635-3037 or 612-285-9133 for details or if you would like to join by phone.

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Fri, Nov 10, 2017 at 8 PM

Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers | Monroe Crossing

Concert Conversation with Carol Barnett and Monroe Crossing at 7 PM.

Get ready for toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ fun as VocalEssence breathes new life into J.S. Bach and the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with special guests, Monroe Crossing. Hear VocalEssence perform some of Bach’s most jubilant music alongside gospel bluegrass tunes and a regional premiere of Carol Barnett’s Bluegrass

Te Deum with Monroe Crossing and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers.

Tickets: $20, $30 vocalessence.org 612-371-5656

BACH & BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE

season

492017 - 2018

5October 2017


Grass Clippings

In Gratitude for the Life of Tom HaughBy Tom Pietrs

Many times I think our organization, Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Mu-sic Association, should be called “Blue-grass Anonymous.” You spend hours in the presence of someone, and you know little of their lives outside of their “ad-diction” to singing and playing stringed instruments.

On Sunday morning I picked up the obituaries and saw the picture of a jam friend, Tom Haugh. Everyone at the fu-neral parlor called him Tommy. I was floored to see that he was an international celebrity in the world of hockey.

No one at the wake seemed to know that Tommy liked to play the guitar and sing. There might have been a picture or two in the massive photo albums, but none was posted. I enjoyed telling people about MBOTMA and Tom’s other life.

I heard the daily 7am preacher on ‘CCO TV talking about the difference between success and significance. ‘Suc-cess,’ he said, “is something that you do for yourself. Significance is based on the benefit that you deliver to others.” In ex-periencing the crowd and thinking of my own jam experiences with Tom Haugh, it is easy to see that he was a very significant person. I am grateful for having spent some time with him.

I just got back from five days at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Mu-sic Association Festival at El Rancho Ma-nana near Richmond. I arrived Tuesday night for a two day, pre-festival camp I had signed up for, learning audio and sound with Doug Lohman of Armadillo Sound. Doug has been running sound for every MBOTMA festival I’ve ever been to and for many years before that. Tech stuff aside, it was an in-depth look inside his world that was fascinating to say the very least. Having been on both sides of his microphones, I have tons of respect for this guy.

The fun continued Friday with a Vol-unteer shift. This is a pretty huge festival and it takes hundreds of volunteer man hours to make it all work. I volunteer for a shift at every festival I go to and, for the camping ones, I’m getting to know the grounds fairly well (1200 acres). So I ride around on a golf cart, take stuff or people where it/they need to go. It’s fun! Plus, I get a tee shirt and a warm fuzzy feeling like I contributed something.

There are supposedly two main rea-sons to go to a Festival like this. The na-tional touring acts (and some really good locals) on the main stage, and the jam-ming around the campfires late into the night. Between jamming, volunteering, our Daredevils’ set at the Ranch House stage and more jamming, I didn’t spend a lot of time at the main stage. I did get to see a couple shows though. “The Po’ Ramblin Boys.” These guys were fantas-tic! They were showmen! I could not look away from the stage and I could not stop grinning the entire time. They enter-tained and inspired me. The other show I did catch was the other headline act “Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen.” These guys were amazing musicians. Their show was a little less traditional/acoustic and geared more to the younger/progressive audience.

I did do a lot of jamming. Every night

I was there. It’s always interesting to me, the diversity of people you meet. From 16 to 86 and beginner to so far past expert it makes you want to cry. And yes, it IS a bluegrass festival but you always hear some jazz, some blues and this year, quite a bit of Glen Campbell.

Speaking of a younger audience; bluegrass music in general, and MBOT-MA in particular, has had a problem with the audience getting a little older every year. As attendance declined, the joke was that the nursing homes were getting stin-gy with the passes. But this year, it seemed to me that there were a LOT of younger kids around. Teens and 20s – 30s. Young families. Anecdotal as it was, it was good to see.

My personal best moment of the fes-tival though, was playing with my band on the Ranch House stage, Saturday night. Even though the headliner was on the main stage, the house was full. With David Smith under the weather, we bor-rowed Ian Gamble to play banjo and we played one of the best sets we’ve done all summer. We had people clapping and tap-ping their feet and singing along with us. It was a blast, and it was over so quickly. Just 30 minutes but those memories will last a lot longer than that. It rained hard on Sunday pretty much all morning. It didn’t matter, it was a great festival… one for the books for sure.

From Tom’s blog on Doubledown-bluegrass.com.

Gloryland Band is looking for a woman soprano/melody singer

MBOTMA Festival 2017 -The reason I do this stuff!By Tom Peschges

Tom Peshges at Ranch House Live!

Gloryland Band is looking for a woman soprano/melody singer, who en-joys singing old-time hymns, Elvis gos-pel genre, Gaither Family tunes with an up-beat (sometimes bluegrass) style. Glo-ryland Band is a fun loving, God loving Christian music ministry. We perform on a volunteer basis in the Twin Cities area. We have 12 members, some who play an instrument, some who don’t. Please visit our Facebook page and web-site for more information. www.glory-landgospelband.com.

Call Vicki at 952-457-8672 if inter-ested.

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www.cs-center.org

Building a “Civil Society” throughout the entire

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7October 2017


All’s Fair in Love & BluegrassBy Nic Hentges

Where are the Millennials?Between 1980 and 1996, 73 mil-

lion Millennials were born in the Unit-ed States. The question on my mind is, how many of them are picking tunes and where are they?

As a Millennial, I have countless friends who play bluegrass, old-time, and related forms of music, yet it is most-ly in the virtual world that we interact. Through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms I keep tabs on their gigs, fawn over their beau-tiful instruments, and learn their songs. Although I feel connected to these people, we don’t often meet face to face.

Studies have shown that although Millennials are more connected than any previous generation, we are hesitant to ful-ly engage in a community or brand. At the same time, we want to believe in a cause. We want to know why our participation matters and we want to be given individ-ual ways in which we can serve and make a difference. The means of connecting may have vastly changed, but the desire to

do so is the same. Growing up with tech-nology at our fingertips, online commu-nities where experiences are shared take over the traditional idea of a community gathering. We are just as comfortable and engaged in the digital domain as previous generations are at their local hangout. This dynamic is challenging, exciting, and sometimes down right confusing, but it is the world we live in.

So here it is, the call to action. My Millennial brothers and sisters, we need you. I know you’re out there and I know you have a passion for bluegrass and old-time music. You may not think you have anything to offer, but you do. You may not think you have the time, but I bet you do.

Now, for those of us who are already involved; invite others to join you. When you see someone new, introduce yourself and recommend how and where the asso-ciation could use their help.

Start with something small; volun-teering for a shift at a festival is a great way to get connected and you may just walk away wanting more.

If you’re feeling ready to jump right in, consider running for the MBOTMA Board of Directors; Elections take place at the Harvest Jam in mid November. Email Martha Galep at [email protected] to learn more. The future of our association lies in the hands of those who participate.

Yours in love and bluegrass.

MBOTMA Board Elections In NovemeberIf you are interested in serving the association as a board member, the time is now. Please contact Martha Galep, Election

Judge, to express your interest by October 5, 2017. Martha can be reached by emailing [email protected] or at 715-505-2062. Monthly board meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. In addition to that monthly commitment, board members are encouraged to serve on committees and volunteer at events. Chairs up for election are Secretary, Treasurer, and four Member at Large positions with terms serving through the end of 2019.

To learn about the responsibility of being a non-profit board member, visit the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits or the Minnesota Attorney General Charities Division websites.

MBOTMA needs you! Please consider running for the Board. Thanks!

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Laughing Waters Festival Sept 4, 2017And the Rains Came.By George Rothenberger

While holding down a tent leg and a flap of the backdrop in the rain I thor-oughly enjoyed the performance by the “Nashville Bluegrass Band” at the recent Laughing Waters Festival Sept 4, 2017. More on the tent leg part later.

Let me back up to say that I arrived during the MSCB (“Middle Spunk Creek Boys”) set. I found them as enjoyable as ever. I recalled memories of years of hear-ing Alan Jesperson in MSCB various con-figurations at Dulono’s as well as our late-night Dulono’s Scrabble games.

The sun was shining, a large crowd was assembled at the park and we all en-joyed an afternoon of bluegrass in the park promoted by the MSCB and sup-ported by many sponsors. The earlier per-formers that day were “The Pride of the Prairie” and “The Sawtooth Brothers.”

The band that followed MSCB was “King Wilkie’s Dream,” fronted by favor-ite son and former MandoBoy, John Nie-mann. They were tight, their harmonies excellent. Might I add the sound by Ar-madillo Sound was great as usual.

I meandered through the park and caught up with MBOTMA friends and neighbors. Phil Nusbaum was at the KBEM booth and we shared our antici-pation at hearing Mike Compton and the rest of the “Nashville Bluegrass Band” (NBB). I have had the pleasure of seeing Mike at Steve Kaufman’s Mandokamp years ago. Mike presented a workshop at the time that was more a séance for Bill Monroe. I know of no other person who more embodies the style of Mr. Monroe.

I recall Mike saying he roto-tilled Bill’s garden for him and later borrowed his Lloyd Loar mandolin. The mandolin was so worn out at that time as to be un-playable. Excuse me therefore in focusing on Mr. Compton and I mean no slight of the rest of NBB who are superb musicians and singers. I did not expect to be writing an article. I kept no notes of their set.

However, at some point I pointed out the darkening skies to the North and soon thereafter a stiff wind blew in. At this point I dashed backstage and found the aforementioned Phil Nusbaum hold-ing down a corner tent pole for the large backdrop. Each pole was held down by another person. I grabbed a middle pole that also had the backdrop flaps. Little did I realize I would not be able to let go for a long time.

The wind picked up, Mike peeked backstage at one point to see how we were holding up (no pun intended). The rains came down and I peeked to see that the crowd had rushed the stage like an old rock concert and was huddled under the park shelter. People were as close to the stage and hence the NBB as possible. The wind and rain continued unabated and at some point, I realized there was no moni-tor sound and Pat Enright was not singing into a microphone. He was singing with the band in a semicircle and directly to

the assembled audience, who by now had crept on to, as well as, in front of the stage. The sound was off, the wind had rendered the speaker stands dangerous, the rain had put a halt to the ability to run a PA.

Meanwhile Becky Thompson’s band had packed up and it was obvious they could not go on.

The NBB soldiered on and played an extended set until 5:35 p.m. We were treated to a wonderful performance of the band up close and personal. By the time I was able to abandon my pole and stand a bit closer, many folks were sitting cross-legged on stage and others were assembled within or in front of the park shelter.

We sang harmonies with the band. When Mike sang Gospel Plow we sang our parts and made those connections to the continuum of the gospel tradition. It was all there in that song, in that place, in our combined voices.

A sentence or two about how NBB brings a connection to our musical her-

Photo by Doug Lohman

9October 2017


itage. You see, Gospel Plow comes to us from the song Hold On. It is based on Luke 9:62 of the Bible. It comes to us from The Montgomery Gospel Trio sing-ing Gospel Plow at civil rights rallies, with Guy Carawan sometimes on guitar. It was remade as Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, Hold On through the civil rights activism of the Highlander Folk School of Tennessee and the aforementioned Guy Carawan. And Gospel Plow, even if you do not hew to that, is pure gospel. “Keep your hands on the plow of God, hold on.” We sang together what the words and the music meant to us. It’s real; it’s personal.

I did not consciously think all of this at the time with all of us singing with the NBB. It came to me later, contemplating its meaning, like lengthy Folkways liner notes. It’s all part of that continuum; how Brush Arbor Church singing takes us to Deford Bailey (the author of Evening Prayer Blues), to Bill Monroe, takes us to huddling around a bluegrass band and singing acoustically a gospel song with the premier interpreters of bluegrass.

Because it’s all part of that, and as Bill Monroe said in an interview in 1986 of bluegrass (and of course old time music), ‘I don’t’ think it’ll ever die, I think it’s here to stay, and that there’ll be people comin’ along with it every year, and they’ll play it, and I think there’ll be people that play it

MBOTMA President Laura Cooper and Mike ComptonPhoto by George Rothenberger

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just as pure as they can play it.And the “Nashville Bluegrass Band”

did just that. In the rain. Pure.

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PrologueIn 2010, I decided to turn off the TV

and learn how to fiddle, and began taking lessons from Mark Kreitzer. At his en-couragement, I attended the 2011 Winter Bluegrass Weekend, where I fell in with a questionable crowd, including Ross Vaughan, who soon thereafter marched me down to the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor to buy a mandolin – “It will help you with your fiddle double-stops.” The Rabbit Hole, as it turns out, has slippery slopes.

At the MBOTMA festivals, I always stopped by David Vincent’s table in the vendor room and gawked at his materials for the Guitar Repair and Building pro-gram at Minnesota State College South-east (MSCS), where he was an instruc-tor. Five years (and five brochures) later, I had met enough luthiers to know that MSCS probably offered the best lutherie program in the country. Then Katryn Conlin, MSCS’s communications direc-tor, told me that folks 62 and older could audit the program for free. Still strug-gling feebly against the now–inevitable, I whined to David that I didn’t even know how to hammer a nail. “You won’t have to – haha.”

So, on August 22, 2016, I put on my backpack (filled with pens, pencils, and notebooks, naturally) and set off for my first day of school . . . for the 21st time. Here are a few impressions from the year:

First Semester: Introduction to Tools (Hand and Power), Guitar Over-view Topics, Electric Guitar Set-up Lab, Acoustic Guitar Set-up Lab, Electric Guitar Design, Fretwork, Acoustic Gui-tar Neck Resets.

AugustLearning how to use hand and pow-

er tools. We just flattened the soles of our planes and the plane’s blades. Who knew those were things that needed doing?

Fitting in ok, despite being as old as (or older than) the other students’ grand-parents. I’m afraid I’m more of a slightly amusing mascot than a “wise elder,” but everyone’s friendly and helpful.

SeptemberObservations: 1) I’m always hungry

for junk food; 2) It’s lucky that I’m good at multiple choice tests; 3) A band saw doesn’t respond as much like a sewing machine as I would like; 4) I’m getting too dang old to keep finding so many things to suck at; 5) That’s what I get for not set-tling down when I should have. And, oh yeah, 6) This is fun!

I PASSED FLAT–&–SQUARE! We had to work a piece of wood with a block plane until the four largest faces were flat (no light showing under the straight-edge) and 90° square to each other. The first face of the block took me two days to flatten, the second took three days to flatten and square to the first side, the third took two, and the fourth took me . . . wait for it . . . 30 minutes. I’m hoping that this indicates that I am catching on and not just that I finally lucked out. Today, though, the block plane started feeling comfortable in my hands. I guess there’s an advantage to having taken so long; it gave me lots of practice. (Julia finished in two days – what?! – but others haven’t fin-ished yet.)

After spending a week getting my block flat and square, it was nearly pain-ful to take a chisel to it to create a ledge 3” by 1/2” by 3/32”. I presented it to Da-vid for inspection and was told that the ledge was flat and square, but needed to be 1/64” deeper. “Not that we’re picky or anything – haha.”

As the instructors said would hap-pen, I’m relying more and more on touch and sound and less on my eyes. The hours fly by. The hand-tool work, in particu-

lar, feels like meditation, and I pay a lot of attention to my breathing as I work. Weird, interesting, and even cooler than I thought it would be.

Tonight’s homework: the sanding stick. Three hours of rasping and sanding later, it’s nearly done. A few minutes ago, Myles took a peek and pointed at a ques-tionable spot. He: “There’s a little . . . “ Me: “Don’t.” He: [pause] “Looks great!”

Lessons learned: When the direc-tions say cut to “X by Y, flat and square,” you need to cut it to X + 1/8” by Y + 1/8” and then square it. If you cut it first to size, and then square it off, it gets . . . umm . . . smaller. Don’t ask how many things I turned in that were about 1/8” too small.

Passed Introduction to Tools (aka “boot camp”)! Not with flying colors, but it looks like I can keep plugging along. I guess that’s generally been my speed.

We’re working on fretboard mock-ups, and I’m putting in and trimming the fret wire tonight. Never thought about how beautiful the hard, bright wire looks against warm wood; I don’t think I’ll ever look at a fretboard in the same way again.

OctoberWell for better (electric set-up) or

worse (fretwork), all my projects are in. Many of my classmates were as spacey as me today. I’ve been getting to bed by mid-night, but a few of them have been pulling all-nighters. Great folks: everyone helping everyone else – encouraging words, help-ful advice, loaning tools, helping with cleanup. Our tools all are packed up and ready to move from the electric guitar lab to the acoustic lab. Some of us real-ized that we’re going to miss Room 317 – there’s a lot of bonding that happens when 20 folks spend 11 weeks together working hard (and laughing) together.

NovemberFinished three six-string nuts, one

Down the Rabbit Hole -MSCS Guitar Repair and Building Program, Red WingBy Ann Iijima

“an entry into the unknown, the disorienting or the mentally deranging, from its use in Al-ice’s Adventures in Wonderland” – Wikipedia

11October 2017


of time working on parts that no one will see until after we’re dead. “All the time. We do it anyway.”

FebruaryWorking on neck extension height

and other neck-fitting tasks today.Working on my inlay design. How

much can I simplify it for about a 1.5” cir-cle without losing the design?

Meeting folks more Type–A than I am helps me feel somewhat normal, and Brian, the finishing instructor, is at least a Type–AA. His enthusiasm for the most painstaking tasks is infectious, and his stories about past blunders (former stu-dents’ and his own) are encouraging. I told him that I hoped to run out of new mistakes, at some point. He said: “We never do – haha.”

March

My baby was finally strong enough to come home – Myles was very eager to see it! It’ll be nice to be able to work on it every day, whether or not it’s a class/lab day. Neck shaped, fretwork done, and survived my first inlay.

AprilVoiced the top, sprayed on the seal

coat!Working on the bridge: trying to get

to 9/32” at the high E location, 10/32” at the low E, and 11/32” in the center, just as I hit 600-grit sandpaper.

MaySpraying coats of lacquer (mostly

waiting for lacquer to dry). As soon as I’ve

12-string nut, and my first saddle. I’ll fin-ish plugging a saddle slot and route a new saddle slot in lab this afternoon. I think I’m caught up - whew. I love this: quiet, intense concentration, slowly creating the form I want.

Three bridge copies coming up. In the meantime, I’m setting up to work on a neck reset mock-up. First task is to fix the neck extension height. Chisels, don’t fail me now!

DecemberMyles noticed large blisters on the

balls of both feet. “How’d you get those?” “I dunno . . . chiseling?” “Shouldn’t they be on your palms?”

Written finals this morning, then three afternoons of bench tests. Wish us luck!

Well, that’s it – finished the first semester, so it’s on to building an acous-tic guitar – can’t wait! The plan: single aught (parlor) guitar, Indian Rosewood back, sides, fretboard, and bridge; Engelmann Spruce top; pre-30s Gibson-style bracing.

Second Semester: Acoustic Guitar Con-struction, Finishing (I took a part-time job to finance my tool addic-tion, so cut down to a half load at school.)

JanuarySpring semester has

been a whirlwind of activity: jointing and thickness sanding the tops and backs, adding rosettes, building work boards, and drawing neck templates. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun! Every day we learn/do something new, and it’s exciting seeing 20 guitars being created. (We also see the projects from the violin and sec-ond-year guitar programs – so cool!)

So far, my favorite part of the build has been shaping the top and back brac-es with chisels, finger planes, and sand-ing blocks. The braces started looking sinuous and fish-shaped, and were silky-smooth. I asked David whether it ever oc-curred to him that we spend a great deal

built up enough finish, it’s going to be a big rush to make a nut, glue on the bridge, get the pins in, rout the saddle slot, make a saddle, intonate, and do the set-up. A lot of stuff for the last four days, but it got done.

Guitar Show: Professional musicians Mike Cramer, Phil Heywood, and Chris Silver were here to play all of the students’ instruments. When Phil played mine, the bridge stayed on, no pegs went flying, and I didn’t need to dig out any of the two packs of spare strings I was carrying. I think holding my breath helped. What a great event! All the guitars and mandolins sounded wonderful, and I particularly en-joyed watching my fellow students’ faces as their instruments were played.

Today is lab clean-up and graduation. Feeling a little discombobulated; the proj-

ect that’s dominated near-ly every waking (and many sleeping) hours is over.

EpilogueIt’s hard to adequately

describe my year in MSCS’s Guitar Repair and Building program. It probably was the most challenging, intense, fascinating experience I’ve ever had. I’ve spent decades in the classroom and recog-nize a superb educational experience when I see one. The instructors, David Vin-cent and Brian Boedigheimer, were knowledgeable and pas-sionate about their craft, de-manding, and patient (thank

goodness). The curriculum they designed is excellent, and their teaching methods addressed a wide range of learning styles, helping them reach even their slowest charges (aka yours truly).

I’m not ready to leave Wonderland yet and will be going back for the second year guitar program. I plan to build an A-style mandolin and one other project, proba-bly an octave mandolin. My classmates and I will refine the skills we learned the first year and learn many more. I’m look-ing forward to learning computer-aided drafting and CNC skills from Steve Ros-sow, as well as taking more classes from Brian and David. I can’t wait!

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Cover Story

Minnesota Americana-Roots Music ContestsBy Doug Lohman, Photos by Doug Lohman

It was an exciting two days, September 1st and 2nd at the Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association in conjunction with the Minnesota State Fair sponsored the Americana/Roots Duet and Band contests. The weather was beautiful both days! Seven duets and six bands entered the contests.

The Duet Contest:The Duet entrants were: Brian

Wicklund & Mike Cramer, Winona Forever (Green Bouzard & Michael Morris), Olive Sings (Seth Gamble & Kayla Zoltak), Nellie & Robert Bruce, Bill & Kate Isles, Sarah King & Clayton Schanilec, John & Chanel Lane.

And, drum roll, please, the winners were Mike Cramer & Brian Wickland, with Forever Winona (Green Bouzard & Michael Morris) taking second and Olive Sings (Seth Gamble & Kayla Zoltak) taking third.

The judges were Kathleen Spehar Hansen: Director, O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, Rich Larson: Managing editor/publisher at The Next Ten Words, Mike Pengra: MPR program director, host/Radio Heartland. They did an excellent job rating the duets on material selection and arrangement, instrumental and vocal performance, and entertainment value.

On Friday, during the Duet Contest, Singleton Street (Chuck and Sherri Leyda won the duet contest in 2016) did the MC work and tweeners between acts while they set up. They kept the audience informed as to the rules of the contest and introduced the entrants.

The Band entrants were the Big Dixie Swingers, Tony Rook Band, Mother Banjo, Barbaro, The Common Ground Company, Sonic Love Child.

And, drum roll, please, the winners were the Big Dixie Swingers (Aaron Gunn, Elizabeth Bushnell, Aaron Olwell, Jack Klatt and Michael Carvale); the Tony

Rook Band (Tony Rook, Brent Fuqua, Graham Sones, Terry Johnson) took 2nd place and Mother Banjo (Ellen Stanley, Dan Gaarder, Jim Parker, Eric Paulson, Ben Cook-Feltz) took 3rd!

The judges, Tim Hildebrandt: singer/songwriter, producer, Marv Menzel: owner of the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor,

1st Place Band: The Big Dixie Swingers

1st Place Duet: Brain Wicklund and Mike Cramer

David Vincent: luthier and instructor in the Guitar Repair and Building at Minnesota State College Southeast, also did an excellent job rating the bands on material selection and arrangement, instrumental and vocal performance, and entertainment value. It’s a tough job with many of us thinking that there were five bands that could have won or placed.

Adam Granger was the MC on Saturday for the Band Contest and he did tweeners, entertaining the audience during set ups, and introducing the entrants.

Both days I was struck by the comradery and friendly competiveness displayed by all the groups. Backstage was actually relaxed as the bands huddled in groups to review the song selections and do a little practicing.

All of the winners have a web presence. Google them to find out more about them, or better yet, go see them perform and congratulate them on their ribbons!

A special thanks goes out to all of the MBOTMA volunteers who organized and worked at the event.

• Chair: Ann Iijima• Rules and Timekeeper:

13October 2017


Duet Contest Judges: Rich Larson, Kathleen Spehar Hansen, Mike Pengra

Band Contest Judges: Marv Menzel, David Vincent, Tim Hildebrant

2nd Place Duet: Green Bouzard & Michael Morris

3rd Place Duet:Kayla Zoltak & Seth Gamble

Bill Lindroos• Publicity: Katryn Conlin• Sponsors: Ben Manning• Stage Manager: Doug Chasar• Scorekeepers: Linda Alton, Lynne

Larsen, Vanessa Eickhoff• MBOTMA Booth: Vicki Andersen,

Mary McSorely, Vidya Neni

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2nd Place Band:The Tony Rook Band

3rd Place Band:Mother Banjo

The MBOTMA Booth with Mary McSorely and Vicki Andersen

• Registration/T-shirts: Renate Behrendt, Tammy Nodland, Nancy Onkka, Miya Gloria

• Photographer: Doug Lohman• MBOTMA liaison: Matt Johnson

Sponsors:• Gold • Baby Blue Arts • Wild Sound Recording Studio• Silver • Homestead Pickin’ Parlor • Hoffman Guitars • LaPlant Instruments • The Guitar Shop (Rosemount) • Tim Reede Guitars • Willie’s American GuitarsLet’s not forget to thank the

Minnesota State Fair for hosting this event!

This event was marvelously managed, a real credit to all who helped out, and a prime example of all the wonderful, dedicated volunteers who make MBOTMA work well.

8th Annual John Hugelen

Cajun Music Scholarship

FundraiserSaturday

November 11, 2017

Cajun Dance P

arty

with Jesse Légeand the New Riverside Ramblers

THE EAGLES CLUB #342507 E. 25TH St, Minneapolis, MN

8pmJamming!

Food!Silent Auction!

Dancing!

To raise money for the 8th AnnualJohn Hugelen Cajun Music

Scholarship

15October 2017


Becky Buller Is Coming Home!!By Kelly Smith

Minnesota’s own Becky Buller re-turns for a hometown concert at First Lutheran Church in Saint James on Oct. 21 at 7 pm. This free community event is sponsored by the Watonwan County Li-brary, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Coun-cil, and many St. James Civic Organiza-tions.

Becky and her band have been mak-ing large waves in the bluegrass world. She has six IBMA awards to her credit and is the current reigning Fiddler and Female Vocalist Of The Year—the first person ever in IBMA award history to win in both an instrumental AND a vocal category. She is a 2017 nominee for IBMA Fiddler of the Year as well as SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year.

The Becky Buller Band (B^3) is also a group of insanely talented award-win-ning musicians: Dan Boner (guitar/fid-

dle), Nate Lee (mandolin/fiddle), Daniel Hardin (bass), CJ Garskof (sound) and Ned Luberecki, himself a 2017 nominee for IBMA’s Banjo Player of the Year.

Becky’s home is near and dear to her. In the wake of a February 2016 fire that devastated the downtown of nearby Mad-elia, Minn., she released a single called “Phoenix Arise” as a digital download for a donation of any amount at Mad-eliaStrong.com. To date, the single has raised approximately $1,000 to help in the rebuild effort. The song will be available on this site until the release of her new al-bum, Crêpe Paper Heart, coming soon on the Dark Shadow Recording label.

Becky’s current single, “Speakin’ to that Mountain,” is now available at iTunes and beyond. The accompanying music video is making its rounds via the Dark Shadow Recording Facebook page, where

Becky Buller Band

Saturday, Oct. 21st

7:00 pm

First Lutheran Church

719 6th Ave. S.

St. James, MN 56081

it currently has over 48,000 views!This is an event you don’t want to

miss! Not only will Becky’s songwriting hit home, but the band’s tight harmonies and refreshing humor make for a fantas-tic show. You won’t regret spending the evening with B^3! More information is available at: BeckyBuller.com.

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“Learning how to express who you are on your chosen instrument is a life-long challenge and ultimately the most satisfying thing you could do for yourself and for those around you.I truly believe this with all my heart.

I can think of nothing better than to share my musical knowledge and experience with others who are struggling with their own journeys of self -expression through music.

Nothing tickles me more than to see that light bulb go on above my student’s head.”

17October 2017


In the early 1970s “Fox on the Run” was among the most requested bluegrass songs along with “Rocky Top.” A bluegrass band could scarcely play a show without fans yelling for “Rocky Top” or “Fox on the Run.” The song was written in 1968 by an Englishman named Tony Hazzard and first recorded as a rock song by Manfred Mann in February, 1969. The first bluegrass band to record it was “Cliff Waldren and the New Shades of Grass.” Listening to this bluegrass recording, a lot of people were puzzled by one line of the lyrics that sounded like Cliff was singing “I fillustrate a girl.” Of course, nobody had a clue what Cliff was singing about. Relief came in 1970 when Fox on the Run was recorded by the “Country Gentlemen.” The lead singer, Charlie Waller, clearly sang “I see a string of girls,” which made a lot more sense than “I fillustrate” a girl, so that’s how most bluegrass bands sang it.

About twenty years ago I received an

email message from Cliff Waldren, who contacted me about playing his new CD on my “Country Roots” bluegrass radio show. Armed with Cliff ’s email address,

I seized the opportunity to get to the bottom of the “fillustrate a girl” question that had been bugging me for years. Here’s what I wrote to Cliff.

“Hi Cliff: While I’ve got you on the line, I have a question that’s been burning

a hole in my mind for almost 30 years. On the second line of the 2nd verse of your early recording of Fox on the Run, you seem to be singing “I fillustrate a

girl.” What, pray tell, are you singing?”

Here is Cliff ’s response. “Hi Wayne, Regarding your question about THE FOX! My partner in music at that time, Bill Emerson, gave me the words to Fox On The Run. You heard right that is what I’m saying. I wanted to change that part of the song because it didn’t make any sense to me. So later, after Bill went with the “Country Gent’s,” I started saying “I see a string of girls” and that’s what Charlie Waller is saying in their version.

It was very hard to understand what Mannford Mann was saying on the original recording. But, several years later a good friend of mine told me the correct words was “I illustrate a girl.” Believe me that has haunted me for the past 30 some years. I wish there was some way I could fix it but, I can’t so, I’ll just have to live with it.

I’ll have to say, I learned a good lesson since then I’ve tried to make sure the words are right and I try and say them where folks can understand what I’m saying. Take care, Cliff.”

With some digging, I found Tony Hazzard’s original lyrics. Note: The verse with the asterick was written by Tony much later than the original lyrics that were recorded by Manford Mann.

Wayne Erbsen has been chasing songs and their background histories for close to fifty years. He has written over thirty song and instruction books for bluegrass and clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and ukulele. He claims he can teach even a frog to play. See for yourself by visiting www.nativeground.com

FOX ON THE RUNNow everybody knows the reason for The Fall,When woman tempted man in Paradise’s hall.This woman, she tempted me and she took me for a ride,And, like the weary fox, I need a place to hide.

She walked through the corn leading down to the river, Her hair shone like gold in the hot morning sun. She took all the love that a poor man could give her And left him to die like a fox on the run.

*It was many years ago, but it feels like yesterday,When she led me through the corn on that fateful summer day.I saw the sunlight in her hair; I saw the promise in her eyes;And I didn’t even care that her words of love were lies.

Come raise your glass of wine and fortify your soul;We’ll talk about the world and the friends we used to know.I’ll illustrate a girl who wandered through my past.She didn’t care to stay; the picture cannot last.

Fox on the Runby Wayne Erbsen

The Country Gentlemen

http://www.nativeground.com/

http://www.nativeground.com/

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Master’s WeekendA Weekend with Kristin Scott BensonBy Wayne Russ

Isn’t it interesting how the “face” of bluegrass music has changed in the last 25 years. Once a bastion of men, we now have some very interesting and talented gender diversity to enjoy. Then again, it seems MBOTMA has always been ahead of the curve regarding diversity, and keeping bluegrass fun, welcoming, fami-ly-friendly, and ubiquitous.

Kristin Scott Benson certainly epit-omizes the best of bluegrass. A very friendly, intelligent, and accomplished person, she is a compelling musician who has gained the admiration and respect of thousands of bluegrass aficionados and fans around the world. Of course, she is the kind of person and master musician we want at the Masters Weekend.

Most of you are probably aware of Kristin’s formidable chops on the banjo. You may not be aware that she received the Banjo Performer of the Year Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. And she has only improved since then. She is known for her straight ahead, driving sound pioneered by the likes of Earl Scruggs, J. D. Crowe, and Bill Emerson; but she can also handle other styles, switching to the style best fitting the tune at hand. Whatever style she takes on it is always clean, clever, and appro-priate. She seems to be in command at all times yet expresses the compelling joy that pervades bluegrass.

Kristin’s biography is impressive. Here is a bit of her background in a nut-shell:

Kristin is a native of South Caroli-na. Her father plays mandolin; and her grandfather played mandolin profession-ally in the 30s and 40s. She began playing the banjo in earnest when she was 13. By 15 she was playing in a gospel bluegrass band. At 17 she was playing in “Petticoat Junction.” She attended Nashville’s Bel-mont University eventually graduating

Summa Cum Laude with a BBA in Mar-keting and a minor in Music Business. As a freshman she played in David Harvey’s “Wild and Blue.” In her sophomore year Larry Stephenson hired her for his band

and she broke the bluegrass band mold as a single woman traveling in an all-male band. In 2001, Kristin toured Europe with Laurie Lewis. One of Kristin’s mentors is Sonny Osborne. Sonny has also been long associated with several members of the “Grascals.” In 2008, when the “Grascals” needed a banjo player, Sonny linked Kris-tin with them and it is a hand in glove fit. They are a topnotch, headlining band that takes bluegrass to mainstream Country audiences as well as loyal bluegrass au-diences. And Kristin is the standout star, well loved inside the band and by the au-dience; the exceptional, banjo player who works hard at being a band member, and doing whatever is needed to help. Kristin is married to Wayne Benson, mandolin player for “IIIrd Tyme Out.” They have a son, Hogan, and live in South Carolina.

The North Shore Music Association

(NSMA) is proud to bring Kristin Scott Benson in for the twenty seventh Masters Weekend on November 3-5. The event, as always, is supported by the host, Lutsen Resort.

The schedule remains the same: You can start jamming when you arrive and continue all weekend. Workshops are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Prices are the same for the day at $30, and ses-sions will vary at $2/each 15 minutes of each session. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available at the NSMA ta-ble in the resort lobby and at the door: $20/adult and $10 for ages 12 and under.

Kristin has had many years of teach-ing students of the banjo, and she loves it. This year’s workshops will have a slightly different twist. In addition to instruction on basics, learning, playing, and practic-ing, Kristin will help the attendees ex-plore the lyrical qualities of the banjo and will discuss improvising and composing your own banjo songs. She will perform several of her own compositions in the concert as well.

The concert will feature Kristin and a couple of her friends - Danny Roberts and Chris Jones. Danny is the mando-linist with the “Grascals,” and Chris is a name you will probably recognize as sing-er, songwriter, band leader of the “Night Drivers,” and host of SiriusXM’s “Blue-grass Junction.”

Call Lutsen Resort at 888-752-2399 or book on line at www.lutsenresort.com. Take advantage of the 3 for 2 special. For more information about the weekend, call the North Shore Music Association director, Kate Fitzgerald at 218-387-2916 or email Kate at [email protected]; or call me, Wayne Russ, at 218-370-8949, or visit our web site at www.boreal.org/music.

Wayne Russ, Vice-ChairNorth Shore Music Association

19October 2017


Raffle winners!MBOTMA held a Raffle at the Festival in August.

The winners:Anne Sharon - Banjo Uke Tom Furrer - Frost River bag

Lilith Greene-Friedman - Mandolin Rick Carlson - Nechville banjoThanks to all the volunteers who made this happen!

Anne Sharon - Banjo Uke

Rick Carlson with Jerimiah Lindstrom of Nechville banjo

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Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine

Friday, November 10, 2017 Daytime Jam Sessions with Dick Kimmel

4:30 PM Social Hour 8:00 PM History of Bluegrass and Stringband Music

with Dick Kimmel

Saturday, November 11, 2017 Daytime Jam Sessions with Dick Kimmel

and Pamela Longtine 7:30 PM Bluegrass Concert with Dick Kimmel and

Pamela Longtine

Featuring

Three Night Packages starting at $199

(800) 328-3325 www.gunflint.com

21October 2017


Saturday, October 14 3:00 p.m. Peace Lutheran Church, 600 Kristi Lane Watertown, MN 952-955-3434

Sunday, October 15 3:00 p.m. Braham Event Center, 655 8th Street SW Braham, MN

Sunday, October 29 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.Buffalo Bluegrass Sunday (concert & dinner) Huikko’s Event Center, 1207 N. Highway 25

Buffalo, MN

Thursday, November 2 7:00 p.m. Story Theater Grand Opera House , 512 Broad Street Story City, IA 515-733-4551

Saturday, November 4 7:30 p.m.The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Masswith The Dubuque Chorale; Bob DemareeFive Flags Center, 405 Main Street

Dubuque, IA 563-580-4371

Sunday, November 5 7:30 p.m.The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Masswith The Dubuque Chorale; Bob Demaree UW-Platteville Center for the Arts, 755 W Main St

Platteville, WI 563-580-4371

Friday, November 10 7:30 p.m.Mortals and Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deumwith VocalEssence; Philip BrunelleRoseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Avenue West

Roseville, MN 612-547-1451

Saturday, November 11 7:00 p.m.15th Annual Monroe Crossing-Cabin Fever Bluegrass ShowMantorville Opera House, Highway 57 & Fifth Street

Mantorville, MN 507-635-5625

Sunday, November 12 2:00 p.m.6th Annual Monroe Crossing-Cabin Fever Gospel ShowMantorville Opera House, Highway 57 & Fifth Street

Mantorville, MN 507-635-5625

Saturday, November 18 7:30 p.m.Festival Theatre PresentsAlliance Church of the Valley, 1259 State Road 35

St. Croix Falls, WI 715-483-3387

Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for the latest information on all of our concerts.Booking: Derek Johnson, 612-720-3746 or [email protected]

Monroe Crossing Plays Classic CountryInspired by the greatest hits of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, Monroe Crossing covers new ground with a selection of country classics — songs like “Today I Started Loving You Again” by Merle Haggard, “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” by the Louvin Brothers, and “Ramblin’ Man” by Hank Williams. Available at all of our shows and on www.MonroeCrossing.com.

Two thousand shows... And going strong!

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www.elderly.com

Your home for New & Vintage

Open Back Banjos and Accessories

888-473-5810(toll-free in USA)

Since 1972

23October 2017


Bluegrass Saturday MorningBy Phil Nusbaum

The Bluegrass Review in Minnesota Check www.bluegrassreview.com for a complete station list.

Station Day Time

KLQP-FM, 92.1 Madison Monday 8 PM

KMSU-FM, 89.7 Mankato; 91.3 Austin Sunday 10 AM

KBEM-FM, 88.5 Minneapolis Saturday 11 AM

KSRQ-FM, 90.1 Thief River Falls Sunday 11 AM

KQAL-FM, 89.5 Winona Saturday 9 AM

KDDG-FM, 105.5 Albany Saturday 9 PM

WTIP-FM, 90.7 Grand Marais Thursday 10 PM

KUMD-FM, 103.3 Duluth Saturday 4 PM

KRWC-AM, 1360 Buffalo Sunday 5 PM

KOJB-FM, 90.1 Cass Lake Sunday 6 PM

KSCR-FM, 93.5 Benson Sunday 6 AM

A Bluegrass Moment Readers of Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine may well be aware of the Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival, held each Labor Day at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. It’s not media hype that it is a great occasion. I know this because during the course of any given year, people volunteer to me how much they love Laughing Waters. No media source is asking them to do that. I believe that Laughing Waters has grown from people telling people, with maybe a little help from outlets such as Bluegrass Saturday Morning. As far as media hype, I believe that Laughing Waters is under-represented on Twin Cities media. Laughing Waters is a concert held in a beautiful spot, with a good sound system, and with food trucks all around for everyones’ convenience. But on top of the usual accoutrements, the 2017 event was one to remember, and for an unexpected reason: rain.

The “Nashville Bluegrass Band” had been contracted to perform. In my view, the “Nashville Bluegrass Band” is one of the greatest groups of all time. Their songs are carefully curated, well-arranged and expertly performed. However, that was about to get washed away at Laughing Waters 2017. When the band was about to take the stage, sound technician Doug Lohman was saying that there was some weather approaching. In past years, Laughing Waters has been touched by annoyance rain. But the rain Doug was referencing was more than annoyance rain.

A few songs into the “Nashville Bluegrass Band’s” set, the major weather hit; first with big wind and then with sheets of rain. Folks were physically holding down the tent that was set up backstage. That it was set up on concrete prevented the tent from being held to the ground by nails hammered through its base and into the dirt. KBEM reps wisely folded its tent, and most who attended the festival ran towards their cars.

Because of the weather, speakers and other elements of electronics and sound reinforcement were taken down, which meant that “Becky Thompson and Old School” did not get the chance to play. Becky’s is a country group and cannot quite perform without its electronics. However, a bluegrass band can play without electronics. You might even say that bluegrass sounds best when all you hear are voices and natural wood instruments, and without any amplification.

The “Nashville Bluegrass Band” regrouped. It went on with the show, without microphones, and played for the remaining audience which had crowded onto the stage and backstage areas. The band performance was low-key as could be. At one point, the players decided to sing a song that could use a little rehearsal, so the guys did what they needed to do, and then came out with a fine 5-part harmony rendition of a gospel song. The crowd really went for the blues stylings of mandolinist Michael Compton.

The “Nashville Bluegrass Band” played considerably longer than expected, helping make up for Becky Thompson and Old School’s missed stage time. By the end of the “Nashville Bluegrass Band’s” set, it was about 15 degrees cooler than earlier

in the day, but the worst of the storm was over. I got back on my bike, pedaled back to Saint Paul, and though the trees were no longer swaying in any direction, it seemed that the wind was at my back all the way home.

Thanks to Alan Jesperson and the “Middle Spunk Creek Boys” and the Minneapolis Park Department for their long-time commitment to this great community event.

Bluegrass Review SupportersHoffman Guitars www.hoffmanguitars.com (hand crafted

Hoffman guitars, authorized Martin repairs)Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association www.

minnesotabluegrass.org (membership organization supporting bluegrass experiences)

John Waddle Violins: www.waddleviolins.com (Dealer of international & domestic, new & old violins, bows, cases)

Weekly Playlists, Listen Online1. PRXTo locate Gems of Bluegrass and the Bluegrass Review

online, type either in the search box at www.prx.org and you should get many hits. Bluegrass Saturday Morning is streamed and, also, archived at the new url for KBEM 88.5 www.jazz88.fm.

2. www.bluegrassreview.comBluegrass Review playlists are located at www.

bluegrassreview.com. Just use the “programs” link you’ll find at the top of the page. Then look for the show for whichever week is current. The current week’s show should come to the top, and scroll down to view earlier playlists. Scroll down all the way to access a player enabling you to stream the show.

3. www.jazz88.fm To stream KBEM programming, at www.jazz88.fm, click on

“listen live.” Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at www.jazz88.fm. At the top of the home page on the right-hand side, select “playlists.” Then click on the desired date. To listen to archived shows, at www.jazz88.fm, click on “on-demand” Then click on the date and show.”

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BANJO ROMANTIKA (film documentary) — introduces the musicians who play this unique bluegrass hybrid. Czechs first heard bluegrass during World War II, when it was broadcast to American soldiers. The music represented freedom to dissatisfied Czechs living in a communist state. Czechs’ love for the music was solidified when Pete Seeger visited and performed in 1964. Inspired by classic American bluegrass sounds, an assortment of musicians from across the formerly communist Czech Republic have melded the past, the political and the present into a lively musical tradition entirely its own. www.banjoromantika.com

November 17-19, 2017 | Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel | St. Louis Park, MN

Harvest Jam Tickets Available Sunday – October 1, 2017!Find all the details online at www.minnesotabluegrass.org or call 800-635-3037.

Saturday Night Ballroom Concert with Malina Brothers

& Sunday Gospel set!

Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience

Uke Festival | Hayloft Jam Rooms | Band Workshops | Sunday Gospel Show | Theme Jams | Kip’s Live | Music Vendors

The 2017 Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience will be Friday through Sunday, November 17–19 at the Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel. The 12th annual Harvest Jam will feature stage shows with headliner Malina Brothers from Czech Republic on Saturday evening, a 30 minute set by them on Friday,

and a gospel set Sunday morning.

Several bands will also perform on Friday and Saturday evenings, including Little Rev, Noah John and Ringing Iron & more! Race for the Place Band Contest is held on Saturday from 10:00am–5:00pm, the Saturday Banquet Dinner (get the best seats for the evening concert), Kip’s Live Open Mic in Kip’s Irish Pub throughout the weekend, a workshop program,including a documentary film called “Banjo Romantika” about the history of bluegrass in the Czech Republic (sponsored by the Czech & Slovak Cultural Center of MN), music vendors, Sunday morning gospel

show, and lots of jam sessions!

To book lodging contact the Marriott at 952-544- 4400 and ask for the Minnesota Bluegrass festival rate!

Advance price and member discount tickets for the Harvest jam are on sale as of October 1. A general admission weekend ticket (without the banquet dinner) is $35 for adults, $30 for members, and $15 for teens. Children 12 and under are free. A VIP weekend ticket that includes the banquet dinner is $55 for adults, $50 for members, $25 for teens, and $10 for kids. Banquet dinner tickets are not sold separately but only as part of the VIP package. Single day tickets are not available in advance. Gate prices will be $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday, with teens

half price and kids free.

Special Event: Minnesota Songwriters Association will host workshops in the Hayloft area!

Great Minnesota Uke Gathering @ Harvet Jam

Workshops | Jamming | Friday Eve Concert

2017 Headliner Lil Rev — a Milwaukee-based, songwriter, i n s t r u m e n t a l i s t , storyteller, historian, educator and interpreter

of American roots music and culture.His fascination with all things ukulele and harmonica keep him busy teaching and

performing all across North America. Find out more at www.bluegrassfun.com.

Sponsored in part by

25October 2017


Get a PDF of Minnesota Bluegrass before everyone else... If you are already a member and want to receive Minnesota Bluegrass in electronic form instead of by postal mail, it will be emailed to you directly before it is available to the general public. If you only want the digital copy or you have problems opening the file, please contact the Minnesota Bluegrass editor at [email protected].

MBOTMA Calendar of EventsConcerts and events presented or supported by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

November 17-19, 2017 - Friday through Sunday Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience:St Louis Park MN: Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel (9960 Way-zata Blvd). This 12th annual event will feature stage shows Fri-day night, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning featuring the Malina Brothers, Lil Rev, Noah John & Ringing Iron, and more. Plus the Race For A Place Band Contest on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the Saturday Banquet Dinner (get the best seats for the evening concert), Great Minnesota Uke Gathering, Kip’s Live Open Mic in Kip’s Irish Pub throughout the weekend, work-shops, musical exhibitors, a Sunday morning gospel show, and lots of jam sessions. For more information 800-635-3037 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Marriott at 952-544-4400 and ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass rate. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old- Time Music Asso-ciation (MBOTMA).

January 28, 2018 - Sunday MBOTMA’s 2018 Fundraiser 2to10 Party: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Place TBA. A celebration of all things MBOTMA featuring 8 bands and more. Plus silent auction, raffles, and lots of jam sessions. Suggested admission donation of $15 with all proceeds to benefit the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA). Food and beverages avail-able. For more information call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org.

The following events are presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) or supported in part by MBOTMA, and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

ATTENTION BLUEGRASS JAMMERS!

In the next couple of months, MBOTMA will be updating and converting its jam schedule to a link connected to our website. That way it will be available 24 -7 at your fingertips. If you head up a jam, attend a jam, or know of a jam, please contact Tony Stachnik at tdjejs@msn.

com. Thank you and keep on jamming!

March 2-4, 2018 - Friday-SundayThe Winter Bluegrass Weekend: A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth (3131 Campus Dr, I-494 & Hwy 55). Some fifty groups will be performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music on several stages, including the Saturday Night Headline Concert and the Dance Hall. Plus workshops, dances, instrument exhibitors, and jam sessions around the clock. Early Bird Jam starts Thursday, March 1, at 6:30pm. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Crowne Plaza at 763-559-6600 or the nearby Residence Inn at 763-577-1600. Ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate.

Contribute to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine.

Write a Review of a favorite concert or CD.

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Coming Up

318: The 318 Café, 318 Water Street, Excelsior, 952-401-7902, www.three-eighteen.com331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, www.331.mnAGr: Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, 218-723-0075, www.amazinggraceduluth.comAPHC: “A Prairie Home Companion,” Minnesota Public RadioAST: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Mpls, 612-379-3138, www.astercafe.comBSC: Black Sheep Coffee Cafe, 705 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul, 651-554-0155, www.blacksheepcoffee.comBTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244-8368, www.bigtop.orgBoDD: BoDiddley’s Pub and Deli, 129 25th Ave S, St. Cloud, 320-252-9475CED: Cedar Cultural Center, 415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 612-338-2674, www.thecedar.orgCJ: Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave, St Paul, 651-330-4685, www.thecelticjunction.comCrH: Creek House Concerts, www.creekhouseconcerts.com, 651-633-5353. MUST call and reserve for these events.DAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, www.dakotacooks.comDuG: Dunn Brothers on Grand, 1569 Grand Ave, St. PaulEAG: Eagles Club, 2507 E 25th St, Mpls, 612-729-4469, www.Mplseagles34.org

Venue abbreviations

9/22 – Friday• Chastity Brown, 318, 8pm• Suzzy Roche And Lucy Wainwright

Roche, ZUM, 7:30pm• Dan Sebranek And Eric Lambert, Leo

And Leonas, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm

• David Mallett, CrH• Vasen, CED, 8pm

FITZ: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul, 651-290-1200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.orgGINK: Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 N Snelling Ave, St Paul, 651-645-2647, www.ginkgocoffee.comGKb: Grand Kabaret, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 507-359-9222, www.thegrandnewulm.comHOB: The Loft at Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red Wing, 877-866-3936, www.stoneyend.comMER: Merlins Rest, 3601 E Lake St, Mpls, 612-216-2419OAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507-753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.comRIV: Riverview Café & Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Ave S, Mpls, 612-729-4200, theriverview.comROCK: Rockwoods, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Elk River, 763-222-4353, www.nograsslimit.com/RockwoodsCalendar.htmlSHL: Sheldon Theatre, 443 W 3rd St, Red Wing, 800-899-5759, www.sheldontheatre.orgTAP: Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S, Mpls, 612-722-2914, www.tapestryfolkdance.orgUMC: Underground Music Café, 1579 Hamline Ave N, Falcon Hts, 651-644-9959, undergroundmusiccafe.comVC: Vieux Carre, 408 St Peter St, St Paul, 651-291-2715, vieux-carre.comWmH: The Warming House, 4001 Bryant Ave S, lower level, Mpls, 877-987-6487, thewarminghouse.netZUM: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, 507-732-7616, www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

To post gigs and events to this calendar, request the link to our online submission form to [email protected]

• Patchouli, Folk House Concerts, Golden Valley, Call for info and address: 651-274-6604, 7:30pm

• Tiller Black, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7pm

• Alison Perkins & Nicolas Brown, Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave N, St Paul, 8pm

• Sawtooth Brothers, Paradise Center

for the Arts, 321 Central Ave, Faribault, 507-332-7372, 7:30pm

9/23 – Saturday• The May North, Richardson Nature

Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, 4:35pm

• Roe Family Singers, Holz Farm, 4665 Manor Dr, Eagan, 11am

• Monroe Crossing, Prairie Arts Center,

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONSOctober 15

SundayDanny Barnes

Hook and Ladder Theater3010 Minnehaha Ave,

Mpls, MNthehookmpls.com

9pm

October 12Thursday

Dailey and VincentCedar Cultural Center

415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, MN 612-338-2674

www.thecedar.org7:30pm

October 21Saturday

Becky Buller BandFirst Lutheran Church

719 6th Ave S, St James, MN FFI: 507-375-1278

7pm

October 27Friday

Charlie ParrCedar Cultural Center

415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, MN 612-338-2674

www.thecedar.org 8pm

27October 2017


506 6th St, Madison, 7:30pm• Two Girls and A Boyd, 318, 8pm• Jimmy Webb, DAK, 7pm• Bob and Lynn Dixon, Fultons Farmers

Market, 4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am

• The Organic Cowboys, GKb, 8pm• New Riverside Ramblers, Powderhorn

Porchfest, 3316 17th Ave S, Mpls, 8pm• Pat Donohue & the Prairie All Stars,

ACA - Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th St., Grand Marais, 218-387-1284, 7:30pm

• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• Contra Dance with Moonlight Trio,

TAP, 7:30pm• David Mallett, CrH• Eelpout Stringers, Richardson

Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, 3:20pm

• Phil Heywood & Tim Sparks, Sundin Hall, Hamline University, www.mnguitar.org, 8pm

9/24 – Sunday• Annie Humphrey, CED, 7:30pm• Eelpout Stringers, Music on the

Overlook, at Roadside Park, St Croix Falls, 6:30pm

• Swing Brunch with Patty & the Buttons, AST, 11am

9/25 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• Cajun Dance with the Como Town

Hotshots, EAG, 7:30pm• G B Leighton, 318, 8pm• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm

9/26 – Tuesday• Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH,

8pm9/27 – Wednesday• Greenwood Tree, Plymouth Farmers

Market, 15500 Cty Rd 6, Plymouth, 3pm

• Rebel Fiddle, 318, 8pm• Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm• Suzy Bogguss, DAK, 7pm• The Bootlickers, Nokomis Farmers

Market, 5167 Chicago Ave So, 5pm• Ten Strings and A Goat Skin, CED,

7:30pm9/28 – Thursday• Punt On Third, 318, 8pm• Suzy Bogguss, DAK, 7pm• Due North, UMC, 7pm• DL Cajun Band, EAG, 7:30pm

9/29 – Friday• Martin Sexton, DAK, 7pm• Hootenanny Annies, GKb, 8pm• Kardemimmit (Finnish music), CED,

8pm• Curtis & Loretta, Nobles County Art

Center, 407 12th St, Worthington, 507-372-8245, 7:30pm

• Tony Rice Tribute Concert with Sawtooth Brothers, Tony Rook Band, Dick Nunneley Tribute Band, more, The Hook and Ladder, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls, www.thehookmpls.com, 8pm

• Corpse Reviver (Adam Kiesling, Jillian Rae, Mikkel Beckmen), Wiese Auditorium/KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, 844-200-

Classified AdsScrapegoat Skin & Bones seeking experienced, quality upright bassist. Email interest to [email protected] and banjo player, new to the Brainerd, MN area, seeks people to play with. Mitchell Scott, 218-513-8642

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5235, 8pm9/30 – Saturday• Greenwood Tree, Northeast Farmers

Market, 629 NE 2nd St, Mpls, 9:30am• Martin Sexton, DAK, 7pm• Steve Palmer, Fultons Farmers Market,

4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• Contra Dance with Kenn Steffenson,

TAP, 7:30pm• Garifuna Collective, CED, 8pm• Curtis & Loretta, Plainsong House

Concert, Lincoln, NE, 402-421-7678, 7pm

10/1 – Sunday• Curtis & Loretta, House Concert,

Eldorado, KS, 3pm• The Barley Jacks, Warner Nature

Center, 15375 Norell Ave, Marine on St Croix, 2pm

• Peter Mulvey and Brianna Lane, Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls, thehookmpls.com, 7pm

• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Kingfield Farmers Market, 4310 Nicollet Ave S, Mpls, 10am

10/2 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm

10/3 – Tuesday• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm• Stringdingers, 331C, 8:30pm• Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH,

8pm10/4 – Wednesday• Cousin Dad, Excelsior Brewing Co,

421 3rd St, Excelsior, 6pm10/5 – Thursday• Judy Thomas, 318, 8pm• Perla Batalla in The House of Cohen,

CED, 7:30pm• The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 8pm

10/6 – Friday• Wild Colonial Bhoys, CJ• Pushing Chain, GKb, 8pm• Erik Brandt and The Urban Hillbilly

Quarter, UMC, 7pm• Curtis & Loretta, Uncle Calvin’s

Coffee House (Open for David Roth), Dallas, TX

• Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman, Folk House Concerts, Golden Valley, Call for info and address: 651-274-6604, 7:30pm

• Maria Pomianowska and Reborn (Polish music), CED, 8pm

• Mill City Hot Club, BoDD, 7:30pm• Skalmusik (Swedish), Wildwood

Concert Series, at Clear Waters Life Center, 226 Elm St, Gonvick, 218-487-

5290, 7pm• The HIGH Rev, Wiese Auditorium/

KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, MN, 844-200-5235, 8pm

• Wild Colonial Bhoys, CJ, 7:30pm10/7 – Saturday• Big Island Rendezvous with RPR

(formerly Tanglefoot), Sister Tree, Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner, Strange Byrds, Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, Roe Family Singers, Bancroft Bay Park, Albert Lea, 800-658-2526, www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org

• Fat Chance Jug Band, Fulton Farmers Market, 4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am

• JohnSmith, Leo and Leonas, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm

• The Dead Pigeons, OAK, 8pm• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile,

Season Opener, 1:30pm• Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey,

Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 800-982-2787, 8pm

• Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan, Sogn Valley Craft Fair, 35200 County 24 Blvd, Cannon Falls, noon

10/8 – Sunday• Big Island Rendezvous with RPR

(formerly Tanglefoot), Dick Kimmel and Adam Granger, Strange Byrds, Roe Family Singers, Bancroft Bay Park, Albert Lea, 800-658-2526, www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org

• Blessings Gospel Trio, Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley, 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, 763-545-5659, 4pm

• Gloryland Band, Friendship Village Senior Community 8100 Highwood Dr., Bloomington, 3:30pm

• Marty Haggard: My Dad, A Tribute to the Life and Music of Merle Haggard, Paramount Theater, 913 W St. Germain St, St. Cloud, 320-259-5463, 3pm

10/9 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• New Riverside Ramblers, EAG,

7:30pm• Marty Haggard: My Dad, A Tribute to

the Life and Music of Merle Haggard, Paramount Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320-259-5463, 1:30pm

• Robert Sarazin Blake, WmH, 8pm10/10 – Tuesday• Stringdingers, 331C, 8:30pm

• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm10/11 – Wednesday• Joe Carey, 331C, 9:30pm• The Fish Heads, Clearwater Grille,

5135 N Shore Dr, Duluth, 218-525-4826, 6pm

10/12 – Thursday• Cheryl Wheeler with Kenny White,

BoDD, 7:30pm• Dailey and Vincent, CED, 7:30pm• Open Mic, New York Mills Cultural

Center, 24 N Main Ave, New York Mills, 7pm

• SouthSide Aces, EAG, 8pm10/13 – Friday• Tannahill Weavers, CJ, TBD• Cheryl Wheeler, ZUM, 7:30pm• Curtis & Loretta, Opening Bell

Coffee, Dallas, TX• Molly Maher and her Disbelievers,

Wiese Auditorium/KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, MN, 844-200-5235, 8pm

• Rita Hosking, Grassroots Concerts, At Journey Church, 5459 Cty Rd 18, Nisswa, grassrootsconcerts.org, 7:30pm

10/14 – Saturday• Curtis & Loretta, Dallas Folk Society,

Dallas TX, 2pm • Ally Mattson, 331C, 10pm• Bob and Lynn Dixon, Fulton Farmers


• Rita Hoskings and Sean Feder, OAK, 8pm

• Greenwood Tree, Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Rd, White Bear Lake, 1pm

• Monroe Crossing, Peace Lutheran Church, 600 Kristi Lane, Watertown, 3pm

• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile,

Broadcast live from FITZ• Cheryl Wheeler with Kenny White,

CED, 8pm• Pat & Donna Surface (Remember

When Show), New York Mills Cultural Center, 24 N Main Ave, New York Mills, 7:30pm

• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Fulton Farmers Market, 4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am

• Bob & Lynn Dixon with Pamela Longtine, TAP, 6:30pm

10/15 – Sunday• Monroe Crossing, Braham Event

Center, 655 8th St SW, Braham, 3pm

29October 2017


• The Fish Heads, Clyde Iron, 2920 W Michigan St, Duluth, 218-727-1150, 4pm

• Curtis & Loretta, Harmony House Concerts, Bonham, TX

• Danny Barnes, Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls, thehookmpls.com, 9pm

• Rita Hosking and Patsy O’Brien and Dick Hensold, BoDD, 7pm

10/16 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• Martha Wainwright with Bernice,

CED, 7:30pm10/17 – Tuesday• Stringdingers, 331C, 8:30pm• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm• Curtis & Loretta, Coutts Museum of

Art, El Dorado, KS, 12pm10/19 – Thursday• Inti Illimani and Los Llaneros (South

American music), CED, 7:30pm10/20 – Friday• Molly Maher and Dusty Heart,

Landmark Center, 75-5th St E, St Paul, TBD

• Bob Bovee, Cleveland Heights House Concert, Cleveland Heights, OH, 216-214-7673, 7:30pm

• Mother Banjo, 318, 8pm• Meng Su, Sundin Hall, Hamline

University, www.mnguitar.org, 8pm• Tim Houlihan, Wiese Auditorium/


10/21 – Saturday• Bruce Bowers and Ric Gillman, OAK,

8pm• Bonnie and The Clydes, Contented

Cow, 302B Division St So, Northfield, 8pm

• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile,

Broadcast live from FITZ• Becky Buller Band, First Lutheran

Church, 719 6th Ave S, St James, For info call Shirley at 507-375-1278, 7pm

• Long Time Gone, HOB, 7pm• Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, New

York Mills Cultural Center, 24 N Main Ave, New York Mills, 218-385-3339, 7pm

10/23 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm

10/24 Tuesday• Stringdingers, 331C, 8:30pm• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Midtown Farmers

Market, 2225 E Lake St, Mpls, 4pm

10/25 – Wednesday• Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm• Callaghan with Jesse Terry, AST, 7pm

10/26 – Thursday• G B Leighton, 318, 8pm• Greenwood Tree, Central Park

Amphitheater, 8995 Central Park Place, Woodbury, 2pm

• Shawn Colvin with Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, FITZ, 7:30pm

• The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm10/27 – Friday• Bob Bovee, MacArthur House,

Marlboro, VT, 7:30pm• The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern,

805 E Superior St, Duluth, 218-728-1192, 6pm

• Charlie Parr (Acoustic), CED, 8pm• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine,

Becker County Historical Museum (History of trad stringband/bluegrass music), Detroit Lakes

• Kari Arnett, Mother Banjo, WmH, 8pm

• Ordinary Folk, BoDD, 7:30pm• The High 48s, Wiese Auditorium/


• Tiller Black, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm

10/28 – Saturday• One Ukulele, Fulton Farmers Market,

4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am• Boiled in Lead, OAK, 8pm• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile,

Broadcast live from Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA,

• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, Public Library (Children’s Show - Fiddle Fun; Passing Down the Tradition), Moorhead, 11am

• High 48s, St Croix Art Barn, 1040 Oak Ridge Dr, Osceola, WI, 715-294-2787, 7pm

• Squirrels in the Attic and Sweet Rhubarb, Folk House Concerts, Golden Valley, Call for info and address: 651-274-6604, 7:30pm

• Tiller Black, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm

10/29 – Sunday• Roe Family Singers, Fulton Farmers


• Monroe Crossing, Huikkos Event Center, 1207 N Hwy 25, Buffalo, 1pm

• Bob Bovee, Bound for Glory, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 8pm

• Bill Staines, CrH10/30 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• Jeff Daniels, DAK, 7pm, 9:30pm

10/31 – Tuesday• Stringdingers, 331C, 8:30pm• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm

11/2 – Thursday• The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 8pm

11/3 Friday• Bob Bovee, Harwinton House

Concert, Harwinton, CT, 828-318-5373, 7:30pm

• Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures, Wiese Auditorium/KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, MN, 844-200-5235, 8pm

• Claudia Schmidt, BoDD, 7:30pm11/4 – Saturday• Alternate Route, BSC,10am• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile,

Broadcast live from San Diego Civic Theatre

11/5 – Sunday• Ruth Moody, CED, 7:30pm

11/7 – Tuesday• Bob Bovee, Glitter Box Theater, 460

Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 8pm• Nano Stern (Global Roots), CED,

7:30pm

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(stringed instruments)

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218-326-4456

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31October 2017


Tab:Opera ReelBy Bob Douglas

The Opera Reel is a traditional American 4-part tune in the key of D. Its history dates back to the early 19th century and was said to be particularly popular in the middle of that century. It was a standard dance tune played in New England contras. In fact, the old Ryan-Mammoth collection gives the contra dance associated with the tune in small print under the notation. The tune has been found especially from fiddlers in New England, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Some notable recordings of the Opera Reel include Missouri fiddler Bob Walters (1889-1960) on the 2-disc CD The Champion produced by Missouri Valley Music. If you like Missouri tunes, folks, you need to have that CD. Norman Blake and James Bryan turned in a favorite rendition on their first Rising Fawn String Ensemble release, on Rounder 0122, 1979. There is a YouTube of New Brunswick fiddler Don Messer (1909-1973) playing the Opera at a good clip. If you’re unfamiliar with Messer, his half hour radio show on Canadian radio was the most popular show during the 1940s-1950s and, in the 60s, he went on to even more popularity on CBC, Canadian national TV. And if you like your tunes Irish, there is a fine YouTube of Opera Reel by husband and wife, Nigel and Dianna Boullier, from Bangor, Co. Down. Nigel on 4-string banjo is a treat to hear.

I like to trot the Opera Reel out from time to time at old-time sessions in our area where it is not that frequently played. It’s not a difficult tune though remembering all four parts in correct order might be a challenge for some. Don’t let the length of notation throw you. Every other line is pretty much a repeat of the line above. This version and most of the ones mentioned here stay close to the Ryan Mammoth Collection notation of 1883. Some tunes just don’t need much elaboration to sound good.

Enjoy! Bob Douglas, [email protected]

Opera Reel

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MN

Permit 343

MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 16408Mpls, MN 55416

TIME VALUE DATA

Nashville Bluegrass Band, Laughing Waters BG Festival, 9/4/17 - Photo by Doug Lohman

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